Par alleges Rhys-Davies was no-show in L.A. suit

Paramount Pictures Corp. has sued actor John Rhys-Davies for allegedly refusing to show up in time for production of the syndicated firstrun series “The Untouchables.”

According to a complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Rhys-Davies’ agent has told the studio that the actor is working on another project in Europe and will not return to the U.S. until July 15.

On that date, production is slated to be completed on the first episode of the series’ second season.

Par says it notified Rhys-Davies he was to be in Chicago to begin work on the series July 2 but that he has repeatedly attempted to be released from his obligations under a series contract first signed in memorandum form last October.

A longer, formal contract was agreed to last December, the suit said, but Rhys-Davies has yet to return a signed copy to Par.

Rhys-Davies appeared as the character Malone in the series pilot and firstseason.

The suit says the actor got $ 30,000 for the pilot and $ 15,000 per episode the first year.

The agreement called for him to get an escalating fee between $ 15,750 and $ 19,146 per episode in five successive production years, with a guaranteed minimum of 13 episodes per year.

Par shot 16 episodes the first year and is planning 26 episodes for the second year.

The suit seeks an injunction to prevent Rhys-Davies performing for anyone else during the period of his contract, along with unspecified damages.